Preparing for storms

The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La.: Federal officials say that expectations for an above-average hurricane season remain, and that’s good enough reason for south Louisiana residents to be prepared for major storms.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s recently updated forecast calls for 13 to 19 named storms this year, of which six to nine are to become hurricanes, with three to five of those becoming major hurricanes with winds of 111 miles per hour or more.

The hurricane season began June 1 and ends on Nov. 30. Officials consider that period the most likely time for hurricanes to develop.

We hope that this hurricane season defies the forecast and remains quiet. South Louisiana residents are all too familiar with the damage to property and loss of lives that hurricanes can produce.

Hoping for the best, though isn’t a good emergency preparedness policy. We hope that residents stock up on basic hurricane supplies, such as nonperishable food items, flashlights and batteries, just in case. Families should also have a household evacuation plan in place.

In the meantime, we’re crossing our fingers and hoping for a hurricane-free year.